Job Title: Merchants Support Area Manager (Multi-site)

Industry: Hardware

Territory: Northern Ireland and North Leinster

Job Type: Permanent

Working Hours/Days: Full-time (Hours will vary according to call-file coverage, Monday to Friday)

Working Model: On the road

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

About the Role:

Tactical Talent is partnering with a leading brand in the Irish hardware sector to recruit a Merchants Support Area Manager. This is a key role focused on building strong relationships with merchant business owners, acting as a trusted advisor, and ensuring they maximise their engagement with the company’s offerings. You will be the conduit between the company’s support team and business owners/store managers in your designated region.

Key Responsibilities:

Engagement & Support

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with retailers in your designated region.
• Understand each merchant’s unique needs and provide tailored support to enhance their business operations.
• Deliver training and guidance on new systems, services, and initiatives.
• Conduct regular site visits to assess performance, offer strategic advice, and identify growth opportunities.

Business Development & Sales Growth

• Work closely with businesses to align business goals and drive profitability.
• Promote the company's product range, services, and promotions to maximise engagement.
• Develop strategic sales action plans to support revenue growth.
• Monitor and analyse business performance data to identify key trends and areas for improvement.

Planning & Reporting

• Analyse market trends and provide insights to help merchant businesses optimise their business operations.
• Collaborate with internal support teams to implement growth strategies.
• Prepare and present detailed reports on regional performance, engagement levels, and key opportunities.

Supplier & Internal Collaboration

• Liaise with suppliers to enhance awareness of product ranges, pricing, and new opportunities.
• Work with internal buying teams to keep merchants informed of key product changes.
• Support projects, including negotiating local supplier deals and optimising product selections.

Operational & Merchandising Support

• Provide expert advice on store layouts, merchandising, and stock management to enhance customer experience.
• Support the rollout of training programs within businesses.
• Ensure alignment with group-wide initiatives and operational best practices.

Key Skills & Competencies:

Retailer-Focused Approach:

• Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with business owners.
• Ability to influence and inspire through excellent communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with a solutions-driven mindset.
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and highly adaptable.

Commercial & Strategic Acumen:

• Proven experience in account management, business development, or retail operations.
• Ability to analyse data and make informed commercial decisions.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on long-term retailer success.

Time Management & Problem-Solving:

• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years experience in account management, sales, business development, or leadership roles, preferably within the hardware or builder’s merchants sectors.
• Strong leadership qualities with excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Proven experience managing multiple sites or retail operations is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, supply chain management, or finance is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and business intelligence reporting tools.
• Willingness to travel within the Northern Ireland and North Leinster region as required.

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience – Up to circa €65k basic salary
• Performance-based bonus
• Fully expensed company vehicle or car allowance
• Laptop and phone
• Pension scheme
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• Other benefits to be discussed at interview

This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially savvy professional with a passion for the hardware sector to make a tangible impact. If you are looking for a dynamic, field-based role where you can leverage your industry expertise to drive business success, we would love to hear from you!